Macleaya microcarpa 'Kelway's Coral Plume'

RHS Plant Profile
plume poppy 'Kelway's Coral Plume'

Synonyms

Macleaya microcarpa 'Coral Plume'

Award of Garden Merit
Herbaceous Perennial

A vigorous, spreading herbaceous perennial to 2m in height, with large, rounded and lobed grey-green leaves, whitish beneath. Tiny buff-pink flowers are carried in large, airy terminal panicles

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

1.5-2.5 metres

Max Spread

1.5-2.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
1.5-2.5 metres
Max Height
1.5-2.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained or Well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H6

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Papaveraceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Spreading branched
Genus
Macleaya are large herbaceous rhizomatous perennials with handsome palmately lobed leaves and large airy panicles of tiny flowers
Name Status
Accepted

How to Grow

Cultivation

Best in a deep, moderately fertile soil that is moist but well-drained; but will tolerate most soils. It needs plenty of space and has the potential to become a nuisance on sandy soils. For the best foliage, provide shelter from cold winds; likes sun but tolerates partial shade

Propagation

Propagate by division in late autumn or spring or separate root rhizomes when dormant in winter and treat as you would root cuttings

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Architectural
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Flower borders and beds

Pruning

Cut down to the base in late autumn

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free